Vivian Maier

Vivian Maier, born on February 1, 1926, in New York City, was an American street photographer whose extensive body of work was largely unknown during her lifetime. She spent much of her early career working as a nanny and caregiver, which allowed her to explore her passion for photography in her free time. Over several decades, Maier took more than 150,000 photographs, primarily documenting the streets and people of New York City and Chicago. Maier's work is characterized by its candid and intimate portrayal of urban life, capturing the everyday moments and unique personalities of her subjects. Her photographs include street scenes, portraits, and self-portraits, showcasing her keen eye for composition and detail. Despite her prolific output, Maier's work remained undiscovered until after her death. In 2007, her extensive collection of negatives and prints was discovered by a local historian and collector, John Maloof, at a Chicago auction house. Maloof's efforts to bring Maier's work to public attention led to widespread acclaim and recognition of her as one of the most significant street photographers of the 20th century. Her photographs have since been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, including the Chicago Cultural Center, the Howard Greenberg Gallery in New York, and the Merry Karnowsky Gallery in Los Angeles. Vivian Maier passed away on April 21, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to influence and inspire the field of street photography. Her story and work have been the subject of numerous articles, books, and documentaries, most notably the film "Finding Vivian Maier," which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2015.